At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Life & Health underwriting strategy and build strong client partnerships.
- Company: Join Swiss Re, a top global provider in reinsurance and insurance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and diverse global benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative team focused on impactful outcomes and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of underwriting with innovative solutions and technology.
- Qualifications: Strong Life & Health underwriting expertise and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 58540 - 71548 £ per year.
Are you driven by the vital role and impact that underwriting brings to Life and Health insurance? In this role, you'll have the opportunity to shape Swiss Re's UK & Ireland underwriting philosophy and approach, work with some of the market's leading insurers, and help clients navigate how underwriting is changing. If you bring strong Life & Health underwriting expertise, enjoy building trusted client partnerships, and want to be part of a collaborative team, this could be an exciting next step in your career.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Life & Health underwriter to join us as Life & Health Underwriting Portfolio Lead for the UK & Ireland. Reporting to the Head of Underwriting and Claims, UK&I, you will help shape and apply our underwriting philosophy and risk appetite, support strong portfolio management, and provide clear technical guidance to colleagues and clients. You will be a senior voice within the UK & Ireland Underwriting and Claims team, working closely with colleagues from various disciplines both globally and in the UK & Ireland.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape and deliver the UK & Ireland Life & Health underwriting philosophy, including how it is reflected in client support, underwriting guidance and Life Guide — the globally ranked number one underwriting manual in the annual NMG survey.
- Act as a senior technical underwriting expert, providing clear guidance, advice and constructive challenge to colleagues and clients.
- Build trusted, long-term relationships with clients by understanding their challenges and helping them apply underwriting solutions that work in practice.
- Collaborate closely with Underwriting and Claims Portfolio & Proposition Teams, Medical Officers, Pricing, Client Markets and Global teams to support the UK & Ireland market strategy.
- Set underwriting risk appetite and strategy, using sound judgement to shape its direction and ensure alignment with business and client needs.
- Use portfolio insight, claims experience and broader knowledge to inform underwriting decisions and identify opportunities to improve outcomes.
- Represent Swiss Re at client and industry events, sharing underwriting expertise and perspective on emerging issues.
- Guide clients in adopting innovative underwriting solutions, including AI, and support them in building robust risk control frameworks to address emerging challenges.
About the Team
The Life & Health Claims and Underwriting Team is a forward-thinking group that leverages deep experience to maintain a dual focus on strong portfolio outcomes and a future-fit service proposition. The team is dedicated to managing the L&H portfolio and delivering high-quality technical assessments, while harnessing portfolio insights, technology and market trends to design services and solutions that align with clients' strategic goals. We are a collaborative, innovative team committed to making a meaningful difference for our clients and the people they serve.
About You
We are looking for a technically strong and people-oriented underwriting professional who combines deep Life & Health expertise with a genuine passion for client partnership and collaborative working. You are curious, proactive and excited about the future of underwriting — including how data, technology and AI are reshaping the landscape.
We are looking for candidates who meet these requirements:
- Proven Life & Health underwriting expertise, with a strong technical foundation and a solid understanding of what drives portfolio performance and profitability.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trusted client relationships, understanding client challenges and translating underwriting expertise into practical, workable solutions.
- Experience setting or contributing to underwriting risk appetite and strategy, with the confidence to apply sound judgement in complex or ambiguous situations.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical topics clearly and practically to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
These are additional nice to haves:
- Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams — including pricing, medical, claims and client-facing functions — with the ability to listen to different perspectives and give and receive constructive challenge.
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for emerging underwriting approaches, including data analytics, AI and digital tools, and how these can improve underwriting decisions and processes while maintaining sound risk management.
- A track record of representing an organisation externally at industry events or in client forums, contributing to thought leadership on underwriting practices and emerging risks.
For London, the base salary range for this grade position is between GBP 84,000 and GBP 126,000 for a full-time role. The specific salary offered considers the requirements, scope, complexity and responsibilities of the role, as well as the applicant's own profile including education/qualifications, expertise, specialisation, skills and experience. In addition to your base salary, Swiss Re offers an attractive performance-based variable compensation component, designed to recognise your achievements. Furthermore, you will enjoy a variety of global and location specific benefits. Eligibility may vary depending on the terms of Swiss Re policies and your employment contract.
About Swiss Re
Swiss Re is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk.
L&H Underwriting Portfolio Lead (80-100%) in London employer: Swiss Re
Swiss Re is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where actuaries can thrive in their careers while leading innovative reinsurance pricing solutions. With a strong focus on collaboration and employee development, the company provides ample opportunities for professional growth and a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance. Located in the UK & Ireland, Swiss Re fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the Life & Health sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land L&H Underwriting Portfolio Lead (80-100%) in London
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Swiss Re). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Swiss Re. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace L&H Underwriting Portfolio Lead (80-100%) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Swiss Re.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Swiss Re. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Swiss Re
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Swiss Re to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Swiss Re, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Swiss Re's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.
